All That Jazz: Louis Armstrong and the Greats

Root Hall
February 6, 2009 through April 5, 2009

The Photography of Herb Snitzer 1958-1962

On display in the Root Gallery is a collection from one of America’s pioneers in photojournalism, Herb Snitzer. A Philadelphia native, Snitzer spent his early years as a painter and student. It was his time spent in the Korean War that opened his eyes to his lifelong obsession, photography. After returning from the war, Snitzer left Philadelphia for the vibrant art, colorful street life, and the cultural pull of New York City. While in New York, Snitzer was drawn into the vibrant world of Jazz, which the City’s underground clubs and world famous jazz players allowed. Giants of the genre; like Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, and Duke Ellington have all been immortalized by Sniter’s unique eye for photography.